Letter From the Editor
I stumbled across a really great bargain just a few weeks ago. It was a floor model treadmill at an enticingly low price – something perfect for me and very affordable! My heart skipped a beat when I saw it. After checking out, I felt confident that the store associates would be able to fit it into my fairly large SUV. However, since it was already assembled, it presented a larger challenge than I had anticipated. After a 15-minute struggle, the associates gave up, essentially leaving me with a “Good luck, lady.” The end of the treadmill was still hanging out of my car, the hatch was open, and I had no way to secure it.
That’s when an anonymous good Samaritan stepped in. He observed our unsuccessful attempts at wrangling the treadmill and he saw an opportunity to assist. “Let me help you out,” he said. Thirty minutes of lifting, repositioning, tying down, and finding cardboard to protect the glass on the hatch, and I was finally ready to go. All I could leave him with was a heartfelt thank you.
I wondered what motivated him and why he decided to step in and help me. He could have looked through me and continued with his day, minding his own business, as we all seem to be trained to do. I thought about the courage and goodness of John Charlton, who saw a woman being hit on the side of the road in Egg Harbor Township. He pulled over to assist her and was killed by her assailant. Every time I watch the news, it feels as though there’s a report of another mass shooting, sexual assault, act of corruption, and a young life taken too soon by the opioid epidemic. It’s easy to become numb to the barrage of negative headlines. If we don’t, sometimes it just hurts too much. There are times I catch myself going through the motions, not responding to the bad or even noticing all the good around me. The Pink Floyd song “ComfortabIy Numb” comes to mind as I allow myself to move on autopilot.
This issue of Shore Local spotlights some of the remarkable individuals and groups in our community who are fighting against numbness. Originaire, an extraordinarily talented band based in Atlantic City, has a mission of creating music that makes the listener feel something. Atlantic County Toys for Kids is very busy ensuring that every child in Atlantic County wakes up to a toy Christmas morning. Somers Point Rotary Club, our Hometown Hero, is distributing a hundred meals to families in Somers Point and Atlantic City. Our community is blessed with so many generous individuals and organizations that are acting as forces for good. Each day, we have so many reasons to say thank you, and we always have an opportunity to make a difference. It reminds me of a favorite quote: “Be the reason someone still believes in the goodness of people.” – unknown
Peace and Love , Cindy
